A Tale of Two Castles: A Royal Wedding Journey Through Rocca Cilento and Castello Limatola
In the heart of Southern Italy, where history whispers through stone corridors and the landscape feels painted by masters, lies a pair of estates that redefine the "destination wedding."
Last November, we had the pleasure of retracing the steps of royalty, visiting two extraordinary properties owned by the same visionary family: Castello di Rocca Cilento and Castello Limatola.
For the bride seeking a wedding that transcends the modern and touches the eternal, these two venues offer more than just a backdrop - they offer a throne.
The Journey: From Naples to the Medieval Heart
Our journey began in Naples, the vibrant gateway to the south. Taking the train from Napoli towards the Cilento coast is an experience in itself—a scenic transition from the bustling city to the serene, olive-grove-dotted hills of the UNESCO-protected Cilento National Park.
Upon arrival, we were met by the gracious Alessandra Petillo, whose hospitality set the tone for the entire stay. Being whisked away from the station toward the towering silhouette of the castle felt like the opening scene of a classic Italian film.
Castello di Rocca Cilento – The Fortress of Dreams
Standing 600 meters above sea level, Castello di Rocca Cilento is a breathtaking medieval fortress that offers 360-degree views of the crystalline sea and the surrounding mountains.
The castle was the setting for the high-profile wedding of celebrity actor Ed Westwick and actress Amy Jackson. Planned to perfection by Bianco Bouquet, the wedding showcased exactly why the world’s elite are choosing this fortress. It provides the rare combination of total privacy, rugged cinematic beauty, and high-fashion elegance.
We stayed in medieval suite truly fit for royalties. The restoration of these chambers is masterfully done; you feel the weight of centuries-old stone and the elegance of velvet and antique wood, yet with every modern luxury at your fingertips.
This is the venue for the couple who wants exclusivity and drama, offering a diverse collection of settings to host every chapter of a wedding story. Whether it is an outdoor ceremony on the panoramic ramparts overlooking a Mediterranean sunset, a sophisticated cocktail hour in the lush hanging gardens, or a grand banquet within the vaulted stone halls, the atmosphere is one of sheer, untouchable majesty. From the intimate, historic chapel to the sweeping courtyards that have hosted the world’s elite, every corner of the Castello provides a cinematic backdrop for a royal celebration.
Castello Limatola – Where Celebrities & History Meet
After experiencing the rugged coastal beauty of Cilento, we traveled to the legendary Castello Limatola, arriving by car in under two hours. This seamless journey makes the two properties an ideal pairing for a multi-day celebration; while they feel like two different worlds—one a sea-view fortress and the other a palatial inland estate - they are close enough to allow guests to experience the full spectrum of Italian grandeur without a long day of travel.
While Rocca Cilento captures the Hollywood spotlight, Castello Limatola has long been the destination of choice for high-profile Italian celebrations and refined international events. It is a venue steeped in a legacy of hospitality, understanding that true luxury for today's couples lies in grandeur, total privacy, and a bespoke level of service that treats every guest like a VIP.
Our visit to Castello Limatola coincided with their world-renowned Christmas Village, an experience that was truly delightful. Every year, the castle transforms into a fairy-tale setting for 'Cadeaux al Castello,' a massive Christmas market that draws visitors from across Europe. Walking through the ancient gates, you are greeted by the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, with high-end artisans, local craftsmen, and festive lights filling the courtyards and medieval corridors. For a wedding couple, this event showcases the venue’s incredible ability to host large-scale, immersive experiences while maintaining an intimate, festive charm.
From the Christmas markets to its sprawling courtyards and intricate frescoes, Castello Limatola offers a breathtaking variety of locations for a multi-day wedding celebration. Couples can choose between grand outdoor ceremonies in the amphitheatre-style gardens or the romantic, stone-walled courtyards for an alfresco dinner under the stars. Inside, the castle reveals its true palatial heart, with opulent, fresco-lined reception halls for formal galas and intimate, atmospheric vaulted cellars perfect for late-night celebrations or wine tastings. This seamless blend of majestic open-air spaces and historic indoor chambers ensures a flawless flow for every part of the wedding itinerary, regardless of the season.
The suites here are palatial; the one we stayed in was once a queen's residence, now featuring a private sauna and jacuzzi for ultimate royal comfort. Waking up in a room that feels like it has housed centuries of nobility gives a bride a sense of poise and history that no modern hotel can replicate.
Why Choose the "Sgueglia" Estates?
The beauty of these two properties is that they are managed with a singular DNA of excellence. The Sgueglia family’s dedication to preserving Italian heritage while providing world-class hospitality is evident in every detail—from the warm, personalized welcome by the team to the meticulous service that anticipates every guest's need.
A wedding here is also a culinary journey through the heart of Campania. The food and wine are central to the experience, celebrating the rich "farm-to-table" traditions of the region. Most notably, this region is the birthplace of the authentic Mozzarella di Bufala, and guests can enjoy the freshest, creamiest buffalo mozzarella imaginable, often sourced from nearby artisan dairies.
The menus are elevated to fine-dining standards, featuring locally sourced Cilento olive oils, artisanal cheeses, and fresh Mediterranean seafood. The wine cellars are equally impressive, housing a curated selection of prestigious local labels and vintage wines that are perfectly paired with each course. Whether you are hosting a rustic alfresco lunch or a formal candlelit gala, the gastronomic experience is designed to be as unforgettable as the castle walls themselves.
A special thank you to Tonio Sgueglia (the owner) and Alessandra Petillo for their incredible hospitality. Their passion for these historic monuments is what makes a wedding here feel less like a booking and more like becoming part of the castle’s long and storied history.
Meet Yasmine, Your AI Wedding Assistant
Get instant answers to all your wedding planning questions. From venues to vendors, Yasmine is here to help!
